Sometimes being an artist can feel hard, while other times it can feel inspiring and joyful. In trying to keep things more the latter, I try to keep the following five points in mind. All of them are available at anytime and there is no cost involved. I believe they all contribute significantly to building buoyancy, productivity and joy in one’s art practice.
1 Show Yourself
Show yourself. Let people see what you have made. Show your enthusiasm generated by your art. In return you will receive additional energy and illuminating feedback that will help sustain your momentum from those around you.
2 Be Generous
Be useful and helpful to other artists. Do not be concerned with being secretive about your art. No one can make work like yours if you are being authentic.
3 Stay Connected
Your success, energetically, financially and even spiritually is directly connected to those that support and follow your artistic journey. Never lose connection with those that express interest and resonate with what you are doing. Cherish them.
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4 Be Discerning
It takes a tremendous amount of life energy and optimism to sustain your creativity. Do not spill any of it on people or situations that you already know are not in alignment with your art or you. Conserve all your energy for situations and people who support what you are doing.
5 Remain Exceptional
Your artwork is a visual expression of your authenticity. To have the courage to listen and show what is within you to the outside world is rare and tremendously brave. Making your art makes you feel more alive but also has the same effect on others. This is why people will desire and, even sometimes, buy your Art. Your art, if it is authentic reminds them of their aliveness. Your art is your gift to the world and you are the only one who will ever be able to create it. It is simply an opportunity of a lifetime.
Keeping these 5 points in mind will help keep your art and you steadily on course. In the end it might not be about arriving at any particular place with your work but more importantly how it felt as you journeyed towards it.
What guides you in your work? How do you keep yourself inspired?
In gratitude, Nicholas
14 Comments
Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
Join me and artists from all over the world on our Art2Life Instagram account or learn more here about Art2Life.
A loving positive post. Some beautiful reminders in there. Thank you.
A loving positive post. Some beautiful reminders in there. Thank you.
Fantastic self esteem boost. I was hesitant to show my work for years!
Fantastic self esteem boost. I was hesitant to show my work for years!
Such excellent advice! I suspect there will be occasions when mini-you is on my shoulder reminding me.
Such excellent advice! I suspect there will be occasions when mini-you is on my shoulder reminding me.
Thankyou – my art too is my spiritual practice. Marie Allen
Thankyou – my art too is my spiritual practice. Marie Allen
Speaking of staying connected to those who are supportive of your work, how do we get announcements of your exhibits? I see I missed two in my New York “neighborhood” this year!
Hey sorry we missed you! Join my newsletter on the website or send me ur email and I will do it for u… Nick @nicholaswilton.com
Speaking of staying connected to those who are supportive of your work, how do we get announcements of your exhibits? I see I missed two in my New York “neighborhood” this year!
Hey sorry we missed you! Join my newsletter on the website or send me ur email and I will do it for u… Nick @nicholaswilton.com
I am a new artist. This is what I have learned this year: Take time out from public exposure to create for expression rather than product. I had 3 studio tours and my first solo show this year and found myself painting what I thought others would like without realizing it, and listening to those with ‘pointers’ on how to improve my work, rather than slipping into the peace stream and letting my authenticity flow. This is different than seeking feedback or taking a workshop when one seeks growth input intentionally. My newness as a painter made me rather susceptible to the comments of others, and I started to doubt myself despite the fact that I was actually selling at shows. As soon as I realized this, I made the decision to take some time this year away from shows to paint. Process versus Product. Important lesson.
Annabelle
I am a new artist. This is what I have learned this year: Take time out from public exposure to create for expression rather than product. I had 3 studio tours and my first solo show this year and found myself painting what I thought others would like without realizing it, and listening to those with ‘pointers’ on how to improve my work, rather than slipping into the peace stream and letting my authenticity flow. This is different than seeking feedback or taking a workshop when one seeks growth input intentionally. My newness as a painter made me rather susceptible to the comments of others, and I started to doubt myself despite the fact that I was actually selling at shows. As soon as I realized this, I made the decision to take some time this year away from shows to paint. Process versus Product. Important lesson.
Annabelle